Craig Owens Recipient of Jay T. Bell Award

Owens Honored for Professionalism, High Standards of Accomplishment and Ethical Conduct

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Craig Owens, city manager for the city of Clayton, was chosen as the 2016 Jay T. Bell Professional Management Award by the Missouri City/County Management Association (MCMA). Owens received the award at the Association’s spring conference awards banquet on May 5 at Camden on the Lake Resort in Lake Ozark. The award recognizes a member’s outstanding commitment to the profession of local government management. The award is the Association’s highest honor for its members.

MCMA established the Jay T. Bell Professional Management Award in honor of Jay T. Bell, who served as executive director of the Missouri Municipal League from 1965 until 1981. The award recognizes public service that displays the same high standards of accomplishment, professionalism and ethical conduct. Bell felt strongly that the professionalism exemplified by city managers and administrators was an essential part of good governance.

Owens has served the city of Clayton for more than 8 years. He has introduced the City to the "Exceptional City Services Scorecard" which began tracking and reporting the City's performance. Owens has received a Certificate of Excellence in Performance Management from the International City/County Management Association each year since 2011.

The Missouri Municipal League provides a united voice for municipalities across Missouri. Founded in 1934, MML now serves more than 670 municipalities with training, resources and legislative advocacy for local government success. Learn more at www.mocities.com.